TEWU to embark on nationwide strike, Monday

The Teachers’ and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) has declared its intention to embark on a nationwide strike beginning Monday January 18, 2016.

TEWU says the failure of the Fair Wages and Salaries commission to deliver on its promise to bridge the gap between salaries of senior and junior staff of public universities has forced them to take action.

Chairman of TEWU, Peter Lumor told Joy News the posture of the fair wages commission on the matter is disappointing.

“Almost three years now, we go and just when we are making progress Fair Wages comes out with another development and we go back. In May 2015 Fair Wages, TEWU and Vice Chancellors Ghana met to demand that the distortions that have been recognized be addressed.

“The conclusion was that the gap between senior and junior staff should be bridged but since June 2015 Fair Wages has not called for a meeting. In November we called on Fair wages asking for a meeting to resolve the issues but there was no response.”

He said a letter written to the Commission on January 7, 2016 is yet to be responded to.

Mr Lumor adds that a crucial meeting will be convened by the group on Monday before the strike to decide on other actions to push home their demands.

He however added that “if we declare a strike on Monday and the Commission decides to meet us and resolve the matter, definitely we will not continue the strike.”

The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission have meanwhile declined comment.

Public relations officer of the commission, Earl Ankrah told Joy News, they are yet to be officially notified about the strike.